Rainfall and strong winds across several parts of Pakistan have brought a noticeable change in weather conditions, increasing the intensity of the cold. Meanwhile, the first snowfall of the winter season in mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan has further lowered temperatures.
In Lahore, light rain and wind have also contributed to an improvement in air quality, with the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) falling to 111.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, winds that began blowing last evening, along with rainfall and drizzle in different areas, have changed weather conditions across several parts of the country.
Cloudy Weather and Drizzle Expected in Lahore
Lahore is expected to remain cloudy today, with light drizzle possible in some areas at different times.
The city’s maximum temperature is forecast to reach 29 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is expected to remain around 17 degrees Celsius.
Humidity has been recorded at approximately 70 per cent, while wind speed is around five kilometres per hour.
The recent drizzle and winds have helped reduce the concentration of pollutants in the city’s air, bringing some relief after periods of poor air quality.
Bahawalpur Records Extremely High Air Pollution
Despite the improvement in Lahore, air pollution remains a serious concern in other parts of Punjab.
Bahawalpur has recorded an AQI of 520, indicating an extremely high level of air pollution and potentially hazardous conditions.
The sharp contrast between the air quality readings in Lahore and Bahawalpur highlights the continuing pollution challenges faced by different cities across the province.
First Winter Snowfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan
Mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan have experienced the first rain and snowfall of the winter season, resulting in a significant drop in temperatures.
Heavy snowfall at Babusar Top has forced the closure of roads beyond Baisar. Two oil tankers have also become stranded because of the adverse weather conditions.
Snowfall has additionally been reported in the mountains of Upper Hunza and at Khunjerab Pass.
The changing weather has brought an early winter atmosphere to several high-altitude areas, where further snowfall could create difficulties for road users and travellers.
More Rain and Snowfall Forecast
The Meteorological Department has forecast further rainfall in different parts of Pakistan over the next 24 hours, with snowfall expected in mountainous regions.
The latest weather system is likely to bring another drop in temperatures, increasing the intensity of cold conditions across affected areas.
Residents and travellers, particularly those planning journeys through mountainous routes, are advised to remain alert to changing weather conditions and possible road closures.
